“Caleb Williams Shocks NFL Draft! Chicago Bears Embrace the Unknown with No. 1 Pick.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams waves to fans while leaving the field after a 52-42 loss to Washington on Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams waves to fans while leaving the field after a 52-42 loss to Washington on Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Gina Ferazzi/Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
It’s official. USC quarterback Caleb Williams on Monday declared himself eligible for the NFL draft, opening the door for the Chicago Bears to solve one of this offseason’s high-stakes riddles.
Before April 25, general manager Ryan Poles and his staff — blessed with the No. 1 pick — will have to decide whether to unite with Williams as their new quarterback. The intricate evaluation process, which already has included stops to see Williams play in person as well as comprehensive video study, will go to a new dimension over the next three months.
Asked last week what’s the most important part of quarterback evaluation during the pre-draft process, Poles stressed the need to learn more about the wiring and personalities of the prospects.
“It’s not just the film,” he said. “I need the person. There’s a whole process here we have to figure out.”